10 Steps on How to Reset Airbag Light

10 Steps on How to Reset Airbag Light

The airbag light is a component of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in automobiles, which connects the airbag and seat belt systems. When you turn on your automobile, the airbag light comes on for around seven seconds before going out, signifying that the internal system check was finished and successful. The issue starts when the airbag light does not turn on, stay on, or blink. The airbag light reset becomes essential at this stage.

Inspecting seat belt components, replacing faulty clock springs, and changing malfunctioning sensors are all ways to reset the airbag light. You could either acquire new bulbs or charge your battery completely. While most repairs are do-it-yourself, others may require the services of a professional.

The following are 10 steps on how to reset the airbag light:

1. Turn the ignition on and off.
2. Restart your car and take a test drive.
3. Inspect the passenger airbag switch.
4. Examine whether seat belts are properly attached and working.
5. Check that the passenger seat sensor is not turned on.
6. Use a scanner that has the option to reset the SRS or airbag light.
7. Address defective airbag sensors.
8. Repair or replace broken clock spring.
9. Check that the airbag is not faulty.
10. Seek professional assistance.

The above list summarizes tried-and-true solutions to the problem. Some of them may be inapplicable to you because compatibility depends on the year, brand, and model of your car. It is best to have your service manual on hand when making any of these fixes. In addition, always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Now let’s look at how to reset your airbag light.

How to Reset the Airbag Light (10 steps)

The airbag light (also known as the SRS light) should light up on the vehicle’s instrument panel only after an accident; when the airbag has been activated and filled with either argon or nitrogen. Other scenarios, such as a component or sensor problem, can cause the airbag light to stay on. Automobile owners would benefit from using a handheld tool for the airbag light and following the methods outlined below.

1. Turn the ignition on and off.

This process is similar to resetting the airbag light of a regular Toyota Camry and should be done first. It consists of four basic steps that are simple to follow and involves the timing of the airbag light.

To begin, turn on the ignition. Wait for the airbag light to activate; it usually lights up for seven seconds before turning off. Then, quickly turn off the ignition and wait three seconds. Start the engine, and go through the first procedures again. If you do it right, your car’s airbag light should stay on for seven seconds before permanently turning off.

2. Restart your car and take a test drive.

Just like your smartphone, your vehicle may require a power cycle. This, however, would not work for all cars. But, for those who have occasional glitches, it should work. This step applies if the airbag light does not stay on for an extended period. Restart your engine and go for a brief drive. If the airbag light turns off permanently, the problem has most likely been resolved. If not, proceed with the remaining steps on this list.

(Hint: Examine the wiring system beneath the driver and passenger seats before starting your vehicle. Inspect the connector plug for any loose wires or rust growth. If none, use an electronic cleaner to clean the connector plugs).

3. Inspect the passenger airbag switch.

When attempting to turn off the airbag light, the passenger seat airbag on/off button (present in some vehicles) should be the first things to inspect. It’s possible that someone accidentally switched it off, causing the airbag light to stay on. This button is generally located on the passenger-side dashboard; however, it is sometimes visible when the passenger-side door or the glove box is open.

4. Examine whether seat belts are properly attached and working.

Since the SRS job is focused on the driver and passenger security, it can detect unfastened seatbelts and turn on the airbag light. Even failure to employ seat belts can cause the airbag to deactivate. That being said, ensure that seatbelts and seat belt sensors work properly. Mechanics encourage those performing reset on a Jeep Wrangler airbag light to do this.

5. Use a scanner that has the option to reset the SRS or airbag light.

The passenger weight sensor in some automobiles is extremely sensitive. The issue with these vehicles is that the sensors are easily tripped simply by placing a heavy object or box on the passenger seat. This activates the airbag light.

Two alternatives for dealing with this are removing the object from the passenger seat or fastening the seatbelt. If the latter takes care of the problem, it will confirm that the sensor was activated, which led to the airbag light turning on. If the airbag light goes out after buckling the seat belt when there is nothing in the seat, it indicates a defective passenger seat sensor. You can then decide whether to repair the sensor or keep the seat belt buckled at all times.

6. Use a scanner that features the SRS or airbag light reset option.

If you enjoy working with your hands, you can get a scanner with SRS capacity to reset your airbag light. Just keep in mind that not all OBD-II devices can automatically reset airbag lights. Purchasing an OBD-II scanner with the proper feature requires research. I recommend the Foxwell NT634 OBD-II Scanner. This tool displays error codes that assist you in determining how to remedy the problem or when you should take your vehicle to a professional.

7. Address defective airbag sensors.

Sensors play an important role in the operation of a car, especially in more modern vehicle models. For example, sensors guarantee that airbags deploy in the event of a fender bender. The SRS, for instance, operates with the assistance of several sensors implanted in various vehicle parts/components. If any of these sensors corrode, break, or get faulty, the airbag light will turn on.

Airbag sensors can malfunction in some situations, engaging unexpectedly and for no identifiable reason. If the vehicle has experienced water damage, it may potentially malfunction and turn on the SRS light. There are also cases where the airbag system control unit shuts down. When any of these events occur, replacing the faulty sensors, control unit, or water-damaged components may resolve the issue.

8. Repair or replace broken clock spring.

The clock spring, also known as a spiral cable, contact reel, coil assembly, or cable reel assembly, is a critical component that, when broken or damaged, can cause the airbag light to turn on. It is one of the most frequent causes of a flashing airbag light and one of the most expensive to fix (it cost at least $400). You can save money by changing the clock spring yourself if you apply extreme caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If you feel it is the source of your airbag light lighting, you will need to examine the interior of the steering wheel to repair it. This should not be a reason for concern because the entire process is simple and takes less than 20 minutes to complete:

How to Repair a Clock Spring

• Unplug the negative battery wire from the terminal; wait at least 10-15 minutes for the capacitors to drain. (Please keep in mind that simply removing the car battery terminals will not reset the airbag light).
• Hold the wheel’s centerpiece (the airbag’s location) in place and find the screws while the wheels are straight. After that, unscrew them.
• Pull the airbag forward and disconnect the connectors. Moving the steering wheel from left to right reveals the screws that secure the steering column trim.
• Mark the location between the steering wheel and the steering column trim with two pieces of painter’s tape when the steering lock is engaged. This reference point will be useful later when restoring the steering wheel to its initial position.
• With a breaker bar, loosen the steering wheel nut without totally removing it.
• Once the wheel is loose, remove the nut and wheel to expose the clock spring.
• Disconnect the harnesses at the bottom or rear to remove the clock spring. Replace the old clock spring with a new one. Bend the tab till it snaps and breaks off.
• Use your tape marks to ensure proper alignment when restoring the steering wheel.
• Tighten the steering column nut with a torque wrench to the appropriate torque; install the harnesses alongside the airbag.
• Replace the lower steering column trim piece and reconnect the negative battery terminal. After completing this final step, the airbag light will stop flashing.

9. Check that the airbag is not faulty.

Faulty airbags are rare, but they do happen. It could be the cause of your inability to reset the airbag light. If it is found to be the culprit, understand that you will not be able to solve the problem on your own. This problem requires professional assistance.

Depending on the model of your vehicle, as well as the complexity of the SRS, replacing airbags normally costs between $200 to $1,000. The cost of labor depends greatly on which airbag is defective. Driver-side airbags are less complicated to replace than passenger-side airbags. Both can be costly, but neither is something you should put off.

10. Seek professional assistance.

If everything else fails, take your car to a repair shop. This is a more expensive option, but the mechanic can correctly determine the reason for your flashing airbag light and adequately resolve the issue.

Conclusion

To summarize, below are 10 simple steps to reset your vehicle’s airbag light:

1. Turn the ignition on and off.
2. Restart your car and take a test drive.
3. Inspect the passenger airbag switch.
4. Examine whether seat belts are properly attached and working.
5. Check that the passenger seat sensor is not turned on.
6. Use a scanner that has the option to reset the SRS or airbag light.
7. Address defective airbag sensors.
8. Repair or replace broken clock spring.
9. Check that the airbag is not faulty.
10. Seek professional assistance.

If you feel your vehicle is subject to a recall, keep an eye out for DMV mail. You can also look up open recalls for your vehicle by visiting the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and inputting your vehicle’s VIN. If you drive a used four-wheeler, I recommend doing this. In the best-case scenario, repairs might not cost you anything.

It can be tempting to postpone dealing with an airbag light reset because of the related costs. But doing so would be unwise. The airbag may either deploys when it isn’t necessary or not doesn’t deploy at all when you most need it. Either option carries the danger of disastrous outcomes and is not worthwhile.